Everything was ready.
Viel and Xylon rode together in an elegant carriage, while several more followed behind, carrying the dukes and duchesses.
Silence filled the carriage.
Viel stole a glance at his father, who sat quietly by the window, his gaze fixed on the passing scenery.
A wave of sadness washed over him.
He was finally leaving for the Academy, yet his father still seemed distant.
Viel let out a quiet sigh.
"Do your best at the Academy," Xylon suddenly said.
Viel blinked in surprise and quickly turned to him.
"I'll be keeping an eye on everything you do there," Xylon continued. "Promise me you won't cause any trouble."
Viel nodded without hesitation.
"I promise, Father. I'll be a good student."
A faint smile appeared on Xylon's face as he gently patted his son's shoulder.
Viel couldn't help but smile in return.
Soon, the carriage came to a stop, and everyone stepped outside.
"Whoa! It feels great to be back!" Blake shouted excitedly, raising both of his hands into the air.
"Viel," Xylon called, "go join the other new students."
"Yes, Father."
Viel gave his father a quick hug before hurrying toward the gathering of first-year students.
"You're so cold, bro," Blake teased after Viel had left. "You sent him away the moment we arrived."
"He needs to learn how to socialize with the other students," Xylon replied calmly.
Blake just shrugged. "Fair enough."
.
.
"I guess this is where we part ways, Akuma," Xerxes said with a gentle smile. "I'm not allowed to enter the Academy."
"I understand, Brother. Please take care of yourself," Akuma replied before wrapping him in a warm hug.
Xerxes smiled and patted his back before turning around and walking away.
.
.
The moment Akuma stepped through the gates of Serolf Academy, his eyes widened in amazement.
"Wow... it's huge!"
He looked around in awe, taking in every corner of the magnificent campus.
The Academy was far larger than he had ever imagined.
So captivated by the scenery, he failed to notice a young man walking in the opposite direction.
Thud!
The two collided and fell to the ground.
"O-Oh! I'm so sorry!" Akuma apologized immediately. "I wasn't paying attention."
"It's alright," the young man replied with a small smile. "I wasn't watching where I was going either."
They both stood up.
Akuma couldn't help but study the boy in front of him. His refined posture and flawless complexion made it obvious that he came from a wealthy noble family.
"My name is Viel Serolf," the young man introduced himself, extending his hand.
"I'm Akuma Grey," Akuma replied as he gladly shook it.
The two exchanged friendly smiles before walking side by side toward the Academy plaza together.
.
.
"Good day, everyone, and welcome to Serolf Academy," an elderly woman greeted warmly. "I will be your instructor for the whole year. My name is Lady Veronica Montaigne."
The students smiled excitedly and greeted her with respect before following Lady Veronica into the hallway.
She guided them through the Academy, giving them a tour of the campus.
"This is our Alchemy Laboratory," she explained. "You'll be conducting all of your alchemy experiments here."
"Wow! Look over there!" one of the students suddenly shouted.
Everyone immediately turned toward the direction he was pointing.
A group of nobles was walking gracefully through the corridor.
Leading them was the Vampire King himself.
"W-Wow! It's His Majesty!" one student exclaimed excitedly.
"He's so cool," another whispered.
"Look! Aren't those Lord Xenon and Lord Heberlin?" a third student asked in amazement.
"They're incredibly famous in our town. Lord Xenon is actually my crush!" a girl giggled, blushing.
Akuma quietly watched the procession.
His eyes lit up the moment he spotted Blake.
The cheerful duke was walking while playing a beautiful melody on his flute.
The soothing music echoed throughout the Academy, captivating everyone who heard it.
A few moments later, the nobles began showing off their abilities.
One after another, they demonstrated their magical powers—not for battle, but to entertain the new students.
The courtyard erupted into thunderous applause.
"I hope I become as strong as them someday," one student said with admiration.
"His Royal Highness is so lucky," another commented. "He gets to spend time with the dukes and duchesses every day."
Hearing those words, Viel smiled to himself.
I really am lucky.
After the brief performance, Lady Veronica gathered the students once more, and they continued the campus tour.
Before long, they finally arrived at their classroom.